After a brief introduction from Scott Loftus and Glen Freedman comes what sounds like an ARTCH ballad with Brian Troch (CYCLONE TEMPLE) on vocals. Not bad, but still just a ballad.

2.

INFRA-RED - Ready For Action

Sadly this is not an exclusive INFRA-RED track, and is in fact the same POWERAGE track from side 2.

3.

SACRED STEEL - Breaking You Down

Splendid Chicago steel for fans of DAMIEN THORNE.

4.

MERROCKURY - It's All Over

Not quite AOR, just utterly bland "hard" rock. Part of a musical play based on Greek/Roman mythology.

5.

HEDSTONE - Air Raid

Great sound that reminds me of BLITZKRIEG or AVENGER (UK) with those vocals and classic NWOBHM style guitar harmonies. It's just a shame they couldn't come up with some better riffs.

Side B:

1.

LOVE HUNTER - Destiny

Having now completed their lineup, LOVE HUNTER delivers more fine melodic metal like they did on Chicago's Class Of '87, but now with a bit of an epic feel.

2.

POWERAGE - She's A Mover

If the name and logo didn't already give it away, these guys love AC/DC. They actually started as an AC/DC tribute band, but fortunately in creating their own sound they grew a bit heavier, adding some JUDAS PRIEST and ACCEPT influences.

3.

TRYTAN - Rip Van Winkle

Light progressive metal that is very much inspired by early 80s RUSH. The same version later appeared on their 1988 Celestial Messenger LP.

4.

ARCH ANGEL - More Than Once

Fairly standard metal of the day, with a bit of a Robert Plant wannabe on vocals.

5.

1313 - Silent Hero

Decent but unremarkable mainstream heavy metal in the vein of KEEL or DOKKEN.